Motion alarm clock

ABSTRACT

A mechanical device engaged to awaken the individual using the pillow. The mechanism includes a timing device that can be set to activate the rollers and track inside of the pillow. The rollers can be set at different sizes and speeds depending on the difficulty of waking up the user. The speed and size may be set to increase in intensity if not deactivated (“turned off”) by user. The track has the dual purpose of guiding the rollers or vibrating to wake the user. The duration (amount of time e.g. 5 minutes) that the rollers and vibrators in the mechanism are active can be adjusted by user. The mechanism will be enclosed in a malleable package (e.g. possibly plastic or rubber) that can be inserted into the pillow (probably by the original equipment manufacturer/OEM), into a pillow case (probably by an end user), or used directly. The “on-off” switch will also be included in the mechanism making the entire wake-up process completely self-contained in a single mechanism.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a pillow (or pillow-filler) with aself-contained, silent alarm that can be set to awaken the user at aspecific time with configurable intensity by using a vibrating device orpre-selected sized roller moving at a pre-selected speed.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Current methods of waking individuals rely primarily on noise.There are a number of inefficiencies that this method creates. Noiseawakens individuals within any given vicinity indiscriminately.Frequently, noise is startling, shocking and disruptive. The source ofthe noise typically requires a separate independent mechanism (e.g.alarm clock or radio) that cannot be easily incorporated into one of thebasic sleeping apparatus (e.g. pillow, blanket, bed).

[0003] It seems straightforward that facilitating an easier, morepeaceful method of waking up could profoundly improve the quality oflife. A large majority of individuals rely on some type of alarm to wakethem up; waking up is a fairly difficult task for most and can set thetone for the remainder of the day; thus the statement, “Did you wake upon the wrong side of the bed this morning?” This idea combines thefunctionality of a pillow and an alarm clock.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0004] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this inventionare:

[0005] Enable a self-enclosed object that will perform the wake-upfunction versus a separate, independent and additional piece ofapparatus.

[0006] Ability to perform a focused wake-up function for a specificindividual without impacting others in the near vicinity.

[0007] Ability of deaf individuals to have a simple wake-up mechanism.

[0008] Ability to wake-up in less stressful manner through a preset listof options.

[0009] Ability to have a reliable wake-up source (due to enclosedbatteries) in the event of mid-night power outages.

[0010] Illustrative applications of the invention:

[0011] Although the use of this invention is fairly self-explanatory,the criticality of this new method of waking up may be more elusive.Almost every individual above the age of teenager in the United Statesuses a wake-up device. It has been a tradition and an accepted paradigmthat wake-up methods must include noise or a separate piece ofapparatus. However, this function can be consolidated into the pillow tobecome a more effective operation. This invention enables arevolutionary change in a basic function resulting in a number ofimprovements in quality of life:

[0012] Self-contained mechanism is easily portable

[0013] Alarm pillow can be taken on trips with built-in alarm.

[0014] An individual can wake-up without disturbing surroundingindividuals

[0015] Each individual can set their own personal alarm

[0016] An individual does not have to be “jarred” awake through a singlepre-set noise level

[0017] Individuals can select their own pace of waking up

[0018] Deaf individuals would have a method of waking

[0019] Waking up should not be tied to audible methods; motion has abroader base.

[0020] Power outages would no longer affect waking times

[0021] Many individuals each year wake up late due to power outages thatoccur in the middle of the night; self-enclosed batteries circumventthis issue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a flowchart of use for the wake-up mechanism

[0023]FIG. 2 is a view of the mechanism track inside of the pillow thatwill direct the speed and direction of rollers (or the intensity of thevibrator)

[0024]FIG. 3 shows the functionality of control component that enablesthe user to set preferences

[0025]FIG. 4 represents a view of single-size rollers in mechanismduring dormant state

[0026]FIG. 5 represents a view of multi-size rollers in mechanism duringdormant state

[0027]FIG. 6 is an active view of multi-size rollers in mechanismutilizing smallest size rollers for the slightest motion resulting inthe least disruptive disturbance

[0028]FIG. 7 is an active view of multi-size rollers in mechanism duringlargest size rollers for the greatest amount of motion to wake-up thesoundest sleepers

[0029]FIG. 8 reflects the malleable container enclosing the alarmmechanism that will ensure safety and transferability between pillows

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] This invention begins with a new concept of awaking people via amechanism within the pillow that activates motion (either rolling orvibration) instead of sound. An individual can set their pillow to beginmotion at a specified time; the pillow can then increase in intensityand/or size until the individual is awakened or until an allotted timeexpires and the mechanism terminates.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows a flowchart using the device to awaken the user.

[0032]100.1 Mechanism Placed in Pillow (unless sleeping on it directly)The device is enclosed in a “rubber type” covering that can be encasedin a pillow or simply slid between the pillow and the pillow case.

[0033]100.2 Batteries Installed and Current Time Set on Mechanism Clock:The batteries allow self-generating power; also included is a clock thatwill run continuously on this device and be used to set the alarm formotion wake-up.

[0034]100.3 Size of Rollers Set on Mechanism: A comfortable and saferoller size can be pre-selected for optimal wake-up motion; the size ofthe rollers may increase with intensity if alarm not switched off withincertain amount of time.

[0035]100.4 Speed of Rollers Set on Mechanism. If the rollers are notmanually turned off within given amount of time, speed (intensity) ofmotion will increase until individual awakens and turns mechanism off(or the mechanism automatically terminates). The track can also be usedfor vibration and intensity can be selected as well.

[0036]100.5 Wake-up Time Set on Mechanism Clock: The individual willspecify a time on the clock that they would like the motion wake-up tobegin.

[0037]100.6 Mechanism is Turned On (Activated): Once times have beenset, the mechanism is turned on, so that it will sound at the specifiedtime.

[0038]100.7 Mechanism Activates Rollers at Selected Time with SpecifiedSize and Speed for Preferred Duration: At the set time, the clockactivates the rollers to begin motion.

[0039]100.8 Roller Size and Speed may be set to Automatically Increaseif the Mechanism in not Deactivated by the User. If the individual doesnot awaken and turn off the mechanism, both the size of rollers andspeed increase by pre-set timed intervals until the individual turns offthe mechanism or the self-terminating criteria/time has transpired.

[0040]100.9 Roller Size The User Deactivates (“Turns Off”) the Mechanismand the Mechanism Returns to its Dormant State. When the user isawakened, they can terminate the motion by turning off the rollers; thetime can then be reset or simply reactivated for a following time.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a skeletal view of the “mechanism track” that inside theencasing.

[0042] Track to direct rollers from one side to the other and backagain: This track would be made of flexible material, but the rollerswould be fastened securely to adhere closely to the track. The trackwill also be used as the vibration device to give the user analternative method of waking.

[0043]FIG. 3 reflects the functionality of the control component.

[0044] The control component is battery operated enabling the mechanismto be transportable and self-supporting in case of electrical outages.

[0045] The mechanism has a clock to keep current time. The clock can beset with trigger to begin the motion of the rollers.

[0046] The control mechanism will enable the user to select the initialsize and speed of the motion as well incremental and termination times.

[0047]FIG. 4 shows the rollers in a dormant state surrounding thecontrol component.

[0048] The rollers will be somewhat soft/malleable which will enablethem to protect the control component from being damaged as well asprotecting the user from the control compartment.

[0049]FIG. 5 shows an active view of the initial stage of the mechanismwhile it is utilizing the smallest rollers.

[0050] These smallest rollers would proceed along the track at a ratethat was pre-set by the user.

[0051]FIG. 6 shows an active view of the larger rollers of the mechanismbeing engaged.

[0052] There are several ways that the rollers could increase in size;probably a pin from the central control mechanism will be released topush through increasing sizes of outer rollers. When the mechanism isturned off, the pins reset to the user's setting.

[0053]FIG. 7 shows a view of the malleable container that encloses thewake-up mechanism.

[0054] This malleable protective covering could be enclosed in pillowsor simply slid between the pillow and pillow case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] This invention entails waking individuals without the use ofnoise. The four primary components of the device are the guidance track(200.1), the control mechanism (300.1), the rollers (400.1), and theencasing (500.1). The encasing will be able to be manufactured withinactual pillows or placed between pillow cases and pillows. The singleinterface to the user will be the control mechanism. This controlmechanism will be battery operated. The control mechanism will consistof five primary options:

[0056] A. On/Off—This will be a switch or possibly a button withprotection against being turned on or off inadvertently.

[0057] B. Clock—This will not only display the current time, but alsoallow an commencement time to be designated. At the appointed time, themechanism will progress the rollers across the track repetitively.

[0058] C. Rollers Speed/Size—Individuals can indicate roller orvibration as the method of waking. The user will have two options inregard to the rollers; they can select the optimal size of rollers andspeed of movement that will wake them. The intensity of vibration canalso be selected.

[0059] D. Automatic Adjustment—Users will have the option to increasethe size and speed of the rollers at specified intervals (e.g. after 5minutes increase the size of the roller). This will be advantageous ifthe original selection is not enough to wake the individual; it alsoallows the individual to select the slightest settings and wake with theleast amount of motion necessary.

[0060] E. Automatic Discontinue—If the roller is not shut-off by theuser, it will automatically stop after a pre-determined point of time.

What is claimed is:
 1. The ability to awaken individuals using rollingmotion enclosed in a pillow versus external noise.
 2. The ability toawaken individuals using a vibration enclosed in a pillow versusexternal noise.
 3. The ability to intensify the wake-up motion throughpre-set, timed speed and size intervals.